Advisory ID: NCC-CSIRT-301123-043
Summary: Significant number of Google Drive users have reported the loss of recent files and folder structure changes, dating back to around April-May 2023. This issue has resulted in the disappearance of critical data stored in the cloud.
Threat Type(s): Data Loss, Service DisruptionData Loss, Service Disruption
Impact/Vulnerability: CRITICAL/HIGH
Product(s): Google Drive
Platform(s): Web-based Cloud Storage Service
Version(s): All Versions
Description: Users of Google Drive have experienced a loss of recent data, with no indications of user error. The situation suggests a failure in thesynchronisation of data between local devices and Google Cloud. Google's support team is investigating the issue, with no resolution or root cause identified yet. Users of Google Drive have experienced a loss of recent data, with no indications of user error. The situation suggests a failure in the synchronisation of data between local devices and Google Cloud. Google's support team is investigating the issue, with no resolution or root cause identified yet.
Consequences: Potential loss of critical data, disruption of personal and business activities, loss of trust in cloud storage services. Potential loss of critical data, disruption of personal and business activities, loss of trust in cloud storage services.
Solution:
- Do not make changes to the root/data folder in cloud storage.
- Back up important files locally or use an alternative cloud service.
- Monitor for official updates from Google.
References:
https://www.bleepingcomputer.com/news/google/google-drive-users-angry-over-losing-months-of-stored-data/
https://www.digitaltrends.com/computing/google-drive-data-loss/
https://www.spiceworks.com/tech/data-management/news/google-drive-loses-user-data/amp/